Lemongrass is an herb that resembles grass and has a lemony aroma and taste. Its versatile properties are popular and useful worldwide. For instance, southeast Asian cooking commonly calls for lemongrass and places such as India use it as a medicinal herb. The benefits of lemongrass don't stop there.
Profile
Lemongrass is a tropical plant with long, slender leaves that was originally native to southeast Asia. However, it is now grown around the world. The blades can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall, and an essential oil consisting mainly of citral can be extracted from the leaves. This essential oil or the whole leaves are often used for culinary or medicinal purposes.
Health Benefits
Lemongrass has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. For instance, ingesting lemon grass may protect the digestive tract from infections or food poisoning. This herb also has anti-pyretic and anti-mutagenic properties, which will reduce fevers and reverse chemically induced mutations respectively. Herbal mixes containing lemongrass may also promote digestion of fats; relieve menstrual troubles, muscle spasms, insomnia or nausea; act as a painkiller; reduce the effects of jet lag; provide a calming anti-stress effect; detoxify the body through increased urination; stimulate blood circulation; and cool the body in the summer through stimulated perspiration. Used externally, lemongrass may help treat ringworm, athlete's foot, arthritis, dandruff and oily skin conditions.
Culinary Uses
Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai and other southeast Asian cooking often use lemongrass in poultry and fish dishes. It adds a distinct citrus-like taste. The leaves are finely chopped or ground to release the flavor and to aid in the digestion of the coarse leaves. Lemongrass teas are also popular and sometimes used for dieting. Since lemongrass has a higher content of citral (a compound with strong lemon-like properties) in its essential oil than actual lemon, lemongrass extract can be found in products such as candies, baked goods and alcoholic beverages.
